This was a difficult list to compile because fantasy is my favorite genre, and all of these books are lovable in their unique ways. In the end, I decided to cut out books that I haven’t read in a long time (simply because I no longer remember them as well and cannot tell you why exactly I loved them) and to keep books that target different age groups or audiences for the sake of showcasing more of what the fantasy genre has to offer.
Click on the titles below to read my reviews or, if unavailable, to view the Goodreads page. Below each title are some reasons why I love that particular book.
Assassin’s Quest by Robin Hobb
Robin Hobb’s Farseer trilogy is my new favorite series. This final book in particular showcases what I love about these books: a flawed, vulnerable MC on an impossible quest, characters I love to hate and hate to love, an animal companion (with a lovely sense of humor). Most importantly, I cared about the quest because I cared about the characters, the MC most of all, and their personal stakes.
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
In Mistborn, Brandon Sanderon explores the consequences of what happens if the long-ago hero of legend failed the quest. This is another book in which the impossible challenge matters because the author made me care for the characters. Two other standouts are the magic system and the cinematic fight scenes. A note: I did enjoy the first couple of books more than the final book, but the ending was still really interesting.
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
This book introduces the origin of a hero of epic proportions. Just read the opening to the synopsis, and you’ll see what I mean. The book was everything I could have asked for to open this series. I wish book three were out already (or at least knew it was in the works), so I can read book two without hesitation.
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
This is my favorite Neil Gaiman book. (To be fair, I’ve only read a few.) It’s a beautiful coming-of-age story with well thought out characters and plot.
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
I read this one because I watched and loved Miyazaki’s film adaptation. To my surprise, the book is pretty different from the film, but I might like this one better (it’s a close call). While the film is light and fluffy in many ways, this book is darker and gives us more insight into Howl’s origins.
Into the Wild by Erin Hunter
I recently reread this book and was amazed by the complexity Erin Hunter has built in this MG fantasy. The writing is beautiful and brings the world to life; the cats and their relationships with strays and the other tribes are complex; and I feel the cats’ stakes in the greater conflict that’s brewing.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
I picked this one up because it was compared to Mistborn in that a group of criminals must pull off an impossible scheme. This isn’t as well developed plot wise because it juggles 5 POVs, plus it gradually began to focus on the romance more than the heist itself, but it’s thrilling and has high stakes and fun banter.
Snow-Walker by Catherine Fisher
This was one of my favorite childhood reads. I loved exploring a world that’s so different from the life I know, the mystery and threat of the Snow-Walkers, and Kari himself, who is born to yet apart from two worlds.
The Song of the Lioness by Tamora Pierce
I discovered Alanna: The First Adventure in middle school. While I’ve always loved a good book with magic, this is the book / series that hooked me onto the fantasy genre. Plus, it features a girl who paves the way for women to hold ways traditionally held by men without demeaning men; instead she proves by example that she, and other women, are just as capable. (More so in her case.)
The Wicked King by Holly Black
I remember the hype for TCP. The Wicked King is even better. This second book delves deeper into Jude and Cardan’s vulnerabilities, pushing them closer and closer to a bad ending. It makes every good decision feel wrong somehow and bad decisions feel like the right thing to do. Just when I thought I knew where it might be heading, it took me in a different direction. I’m looking forward to the finale in November 2019.
Chat With Me
What’s your favorite genre? What’s one (or more!) of your favorite books, fantasy or non-fantasy? Please help me build my summer reading list!
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer says
Honestly Robin Hobb and Mistborn make every list!! I enjoyed Mistborn too though its a bit repetitive for me. I need to get on the Hobb train!! It’s the page number TBH!! I can read 3 YA books for the same pages. ❤️ Great list!!
Crystal says
Robin Hobb is a fantastic writer. I agree that the page count is daunting, but the Farseer trilogy was so good that I loved every moment I could spend with it. (I think I finished book 2 in a weekend. I couldn’t put it down.) That said, I can totally understand why you’d prioritize three YA books over starting such a large book. I usually take my time with larger fantasy works while reading a YA or Children’s book on the side.
Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight says
I haven’t read any of these, but I’m planning to read SoC and the Holly Black series, and you’ve got me even more eager to try them!
Crystal says
I hope you enjoy SoC and The Folk of the Air (Holly Black) series, Kristen! 🙂
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
I get all giddy whenever I see someone mention Robin Hobb. She doesn’t get nearly the attention she deserves!
Crystal says
Robin Hobb is fantastic 🙂
Ethan says
Great list! Neil Gaiman is one of my favorites!
Crystal says
Thanks, Ethan. I agree Neil Gaiman is a fantastic writer!
Lisa @ Captivated Reader says
I haven’t read any of the books listed in your TTT post this week, but many of them look really good!
Here’s a link to my TTT post for this week:
http://captivatedreader.blogspot.com/2019/06/top-ten-tuesday-books-from-my-favorite.html
Crystal says
Thanks, Lisa! 🙂
Lydia says
The Graveyard Book was such a great read.
My TTT.
Crystal says
It’s fantastic. Glad to hear you enjoyed it 🙂
Melliane says
Oh a nice list there! I haven’t read them all but it means that I need to read them now too!
Crystal says
Thanks, Melliane. I hope you enjoy!